February 25, 2009
KABUL, Afghanistan – Members of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7, Task Force Sierra, Detachment 4, were recognized for their contributions to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Feb. 22 at Bagram Airfield. Fifty-nine Seabees stood in formation to receive the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal or Certificate of Achievement on a camp they had helped construct from the ground up.
“During this deployment, the Seabees have overcome significant material and equipment shortages, transportation challenges, harsh climate conditions and continuous operation and mission changes,” said U.S. Army Maj. Stephen Murphy, CJSOTF-A engineer.
Despite their operational setbacks, the troops kept on building during their six-month tour in Afghanistan. No job was too small or too big for the Seabees.
“They used their engineering expertise, technical skills, equipment and material acquisition proficiency, ingenuity and renowned determination to provide engineering support in the Nimroz, Balkh, Zabul, Farah, Kabul and Kunar provinces, as well as Bagram Airfield,” Murphy said.
One Seabee team went above and beyond during a three-month mission at Firebase Delaram in Western Afghanistan. Although they were only asked to build 18 b-huts, the team dedicated around-the-clock time, energy and material to countless other projects around the camp.
“We’re here to help all those who are in need. We provided support not just to CJSOTF-A, but also to the Afghan National Army and our Coalition partners,” said Equipment Operator 1st Class Michael Mills, detail officer-in-charge.
The b-huts alone tripled the capacity of the firebase, but that was not enough for the Seabees.
The Seabees’ dedication to duty proved invaluable at the firebase as they took on projects, including restroom support systems, a forward area refuel point, motor pool and even a canine house. The team built restrooms for the ANA soldiers and helped improve their health and welfare standards. Additionally, the Seabees outfitted the living quarters of the Afghan interpreters with heating, air conditioning and electricity.
“Our list of projects goes on forever … but this is why we became Seabees, to help people out. Working with the Special Operations has been especially rewarding as well,” Mills said.
Other Seabees took on a particularly meaningful mission when they broke ground for the new CJSOTF-A Memorial on Bagram Airfield, Oct. 27, 2008. The Navy troops honored their fallen comrades with each of the 84 cubic meters of concrete they placed.
“With a project of this magnitude, you would think it difficult to motivate subordinates, but the concept and purpose behind the project is so pure and genuine it makes motivation and training effortless,” said Builder 3rd Class Israel Murillo, the project supervisor.
Throughout the tour, the Seabees gave their full efforts to projects of all types. The results were always the same no matter the size or the scale of the mission.
“Detachment 4’s motivation, determination and versatility demonstrated the classic ‘Can Do’ spirit of the Seabees. Their hard work and dedication were essential in contributing to the success of the CJSOTF-A operational requirements of Operation Enduring Freedom XII and XIII,” Murphy said.
090222-5810T-A-148: Col. Gus Benton II congratulates Steelworker Constructionman Stephen L. Ford after presenting him with the Army Achievement medal at the ceremony recognizing the Seabees’ contributions to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. Colonel Benton is the CJSOTF-A commander. Ford is assigned to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7, Task Force Sierra, Detachment 4.